On Wednesday 28 June 2023 Welsh Government informed Council’s across Wales that they would no longer provide Free School Meal Holiday payments, with immediate effect.
This announcement generated a lot of feedback from families who were relying on this payment.
Caerphilly’s Cabinet have agreed to provide a one-off payment of £19.50 per week, per child, to eligible families for the school holiday period commencing Friday 21 July 2023 and ending on Thursday 31 August 2023.
This decision has been taken to cushion the impact of late withdrawal of funding by Welsh Government.
The total funding per child will be £117 for eligible families as at Friday 21 July 2023. If you become eligible for free school meals after this date, you will receive a reduced amount.
Cllr Sean Morgan, Leader of Council said “As a Council we actively listen to the needs and concerns of our communities and the lateness of this announcement has clearly caused distress.
We are aware that the ever-increasing cost of living has become a significant burden on our communities and put a strain on household budgets.
We have committed to lobbying Welsh Government to reverse this decision as the Council is only able to fund this one-off payment for this summer. “
There will be no further payments for any future school holiday beyond this period.
Families of all eligible pupils will receive a Post Office letter, allowing collection of a cash payment from any Post Office branch.
It is anticipated that letters for eligible pupils will be received week commencing Monday 24th July 2023.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the payment process, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated staff. We are here to assist you in any way we can and provide the necessary support.
Please email fsmholidaypayments@caerphilly.gov.uk or call us on 01443 864055.
We would also like to highlight a range of additional resources that can help support families in these difficult financial times.
They include.
Government Support Schemes: The Welsh Government offers various support schemes, including welfare benefits such as Universal Credit, which can provide financial assistance to families in need. More information here: https://www.gov.wales/help-cost-living
Caerphilly CBC Cost-of-Living support: We have developed a ‘one stop shop’ on the CCBC website where lots of cost-of-living support measures can be found in one place: http://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support
Local Food Banks: Local food banks are available to provide essential food items and support to families experiencing financial hardship. They can assist you in accessing the necessary provisions during the summer holidays. We have compiled a list of local food banks and their operating hours, which you can find on the Caerphilly CBC Website: https://www.caerphilly.gov.uk/services/managing-your-money/foodbanks
We understand that this change may lead to additional inquiries and concerns.
Please be assured our Caerphilly Cares team is here to support and guide you through these challenges. If you have any questions or need assistance in accessing alternative resources, please do not hesitate to contact the team by phone: 01443 811490 or Email: caerphillycares@caerphilly.gov.uk.